BAYONNE – Mayor Mark Smith has announced a local initiative to identify and fill potholes on city streets.

“Harsh winter conditions, snow removal operations, and de-icing chemicals have taken their toll on heavily traveled thoroughfares and the freeze-thaw cycle has opened cracks in pavement around town,” the mayor said in a prepared statement.

So Smith has instructed the Department of Public Works and Parks to muster crews to repair the damaged roadways. As of late afternoon Wednesday, Feb. 19, more than 300 potholes had already been filled, according to the city.

“With over a dozen major winter storm events from October until now, our streets have taken a beating,” the mayor said. “We will be focusing on pothole repair for the next few weeks in advance of our annual paving program.”

A special hotline, (201) 858-6705, has been established for residents to report potholes. When calling after hours, residents should leave a voicemail, which will be retrieved the next business day. Pothole locations can also be emailed to mayors.office@baynj.org.

Mayor Smith thanked the community for its patience and promised a timely response to calls and emails. –Joseph Passantino